Write a Eulogy for Your Character

As a girl who grew up in Massachusetts, I've been unable to ignore the extraordinary attention that has been given lately to that legendary figure, Ted Kennedy, and his death. I've watched the speeches and eulogies delivered at the memorial service and funeral, and been moved by many of them. The best of the speeches, I found, were the ones that did not give the man empty praise, but rather humanized him through detail, freely acknowledging faults. The most loving praise given to a deceased person, I've always found, comes from a deep understanding of the person, including both good and bad.

That's why the eulogy or elegy is such an interesting writing form, and one that could really help your story.

The most honest eulogies seek to isolate what it is that made a person unique and what enabled him/her to stand out, to be special over the course of a lifetime. Sometimes the answer is not the prettiest; it might be ruthless ambition or a willingness to think of oneself first. But I do believe there is something redeemable and human to be found in just about every life, even if it is only an acknowledgment of how hard that person's life really was to lead.

So try killing off your character, just in your head, and writing a eulogy for him. What will you find to say about his failings, his greatest virtues, the most important moments of his life? What were his great loves? What did he spend his life fighting against? And if he was character who seemed exceedingly good or exceedingly bad, what can you tell your imagined audience about what they didn't know, what was unexpected?

This eulogy may never make into your story, but it's a great way to get access to your character's beating heart. Discover what makes him tick by forcing yourself to boil his entire life down to one heartfelt tribute.

Comments

[Anjuelle Floyd]

I thought I was the only one watching all the things on line about Teddy Kennedy.
Your idea is the perfect exercise for having taken in so much.

And yes, I agree. The way Edward Kennedy's family members humanized him was truly touching.

Thanks again for letting me I wasn't alone.

[Micah]

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